Lead, R&D Manager - San Antonio, TX

Strategic Product Development Leader

Lead strategic product development initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure technical excellence across complex, multi-layered projects. You'll serve as a subject matter expert, mentor, and cross-functional leader, guiding teams in the development of breakthrough products and technologies that align with business goals and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities &

Essential Functions:

• Leads large-scale, cross-functional product development initiatives across multiple categories and departments, from concept to commercialization
• Develops and executes long-term innovation roadmaps based on advanced consumer insights, industry trends, and strategic business goals
• Sets functional policy and procedures for R&D operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and merchant category strategies
• Serves as a technical advisor to senior leadership, influencing decisions with scientific, regulatory, and market-based evidence
• Provides subject matter expertise in specialized fields (e.g., dairy, bakery, meat, beverage, snacks) and emerging technologies
• Oversees supplier relationships, including complex negotiations and contract development for high-impact initiatives
• Leads regulatory and compliance strategy for new product categories and markets
• Develops and approves product specifications and BOMs that reflect advanced quality, sensory, and regulatory standards
• Directs feasibility studies and profitability analyses for new products and technologies across multiple plants
• Oversees laboratory operations and advanced testing protocols to validate new processes and formulations
• Advises on patent strategy and intellectual property development
• Champions advanced research and continuous improvement initiatives, including cost optimization across product portfolios
• Reviews and approves packaging artwork for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Mentors and develops R&D talent across all levels, fostering technical growth and cross-functional collaboration
• Represents R&D in enterprise-wide strategic planning, innovation forums, and cross-functional initiatives beyond Own Brand

Qualifications &

Key Requirements:

• Work Experience:
  
  10+ years Relevant experience
  - Preferred
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  Expert knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and global regulatory frameworks
  - Required Deep understanding of consumer behavior, sensory science, and product quality metrics
  - Required Advanced expertise in product development, manufacturing, packaging, and nutrition
  - Required Mastery of stage-gate and agile development methodologies
  - Required Strong statistical modeling and data analysis capabilities
  - Required Advanced proficiency in MS Office and R&D software tools
  - Required Exceptional communication and presentation skills for executive audiences
  - Required High-level negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  - Required Strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  - Required Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and technical staff
  - Required Strong business acumen and ability to align technical solutions with enterprise goals
  - Required Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously
  - Required Thought leadership in R&D and innovation
  - Required
• Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree or additional role-relevant experience
  - Required
• Licenses/Certifications:

Physical Demands &

Working Conditions:

• Function in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment
• Sit for extended periods
• Regularly lift 20 lbs or more
• Work extended hours

Last revised: 11/17/2025 QA3232 OWN
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